A Spotlight on our People – Ellen Fulop
This year, HMT is proud to celebrate an incredible milestone: 40 years of unwavering care and compassion. To mark this anniversary, we’re sharing stories from dedicated, long service team members across the organisation.
Ellen Fulop began her nursing career at age 16 in her home country of Ireland, where she worked under the nuns, choosing between becoming a nun or continue nursing, she chose to continue nursing and came over to England in 1987. She got married and had 3 children, then continued to work in a variety of hospitals to moving to care homes in which she had never worked in before. Ellen worked at a variety of homes until in 1994 she came to Coloma Court and said, “I have never looked back”.
Ellen tells us her thoughts of what she would do if she wasn’t a Senior Care Assistant, “I always knew I would work caring for either young children or elderly people. I could never do office work; I like what I do. I feel happy doing what I do, and I know I’m good at it.”
Being 71 hasn’t stopped Ellen from being a fantastic attribute to the team, “I’m well enough to work, you know? My husband passed away 8 years ago this month, and it’s better than just sitting at home on my own.
My girls have grown up now, and I think staying working keeps you from getting stiff and depressed. I just feel really good going out there and helping people. My five sisters and three brothers say how do I do this job, they say I’m mad. I say I’m not mad – I’m happy!”
Throughout her career, Ellen tells us that her favourite part of the job is just simply being by the resident’s side’s during the evening. “On a night everything is so quiet and peaceful, and they just want someone to sit with them and listen, and I offer them a little bit of sympathy whilst they talk, and I help them and listen.”
Ellen’s number one piece of advice to those who want to be in this job role is to treat the residents as your own family. “Care for them like you would your mum or dad, no matter what just be kind. All you need is kindness.”
On her days off you can usually find Ellen going to church, spending time with her daughter and grandchildren, or simply running errands. “I’m just at peace, no problems or worries, just be at peace, that’s the best thing.”
Ellen continues to be an outstanding member of the team with HMT, and we are so beyond grateful for her long service at Coloma Court. We’re proud to recognise individuals like Ellen who have helped shape our organisation and continue to inspire the future.
